Wednesday, 9 January 2013

Winter Flowers

One of the things i love about my job is that i use brightly coloured fabrics, threads, paint and papers in the designs that i produce......and the magazines and books i work on are also colourful and pretty......so the combination of these things keeps me cheerful in my brightly lit studio throughout the winter days no matter how dull and grey they may be outside.......

..........this patchwork bag is one of my projects in this months crafts beautiful magazine (the 250th issue!)....i used some of my favourite fabrics from pam kitty morning and sew mama sew (find them here)....and i used waste canvas to cross stitch a pretty posy of flowers on a white patch to add extra texture and interest.......

............i like the combination of coloured backgrounds, white fabrics and printed text and will be exploring this look further...maybe a quilt?...........also featured in this special anniversary edition is an extract from my book Simple Sewn Gifts.....yes, one of my bunnies is in crafts beautiful :).........and i will have some more bunny news for you coming up very soon..............

...............today was sunny here with a frost that remained on the grass all day long...........in my spare moments i have been making many more daisy granny squares for the new blanket...........i love the sweet yarn colours in the sunshine on my craft table...............

.......................and i have also been piecing together some new blocks for the next quilt..............

............flowery fabrics mixed with a few checks, and sometimes an applique flower is the plan.....i will show you more of this soon in a special quilt post when i also hope to show the finished farmer's wife quilt......i've made the binding so just have to sew it on now :)...............very exciting to be so close to a special quilt finish..................

................some real flowers are gracing my sewing room too...........love these pretty pink and white tulips............the blue hyacinths are almost over now but some white ones are just about to bloom so i still have some scent.....

.........now i am off to hook up a few more daisies.........and sew on a bit of binding.........i have lots of lovely crafty things to keep me busy through the winter days...........i am working on a giveaway too especially for my lovely readers and hope to have it finished in the next week or two so look out for that :).............thank you so much for dropping in to see me and for your kind comments and emails.........i love to hear from you........wishing you all a happy and crafty winter week .........back soon xxxxxoooooxxxxxx

You have the most beautiful colors in your fabrics and yarn, indeed! I know they keep you very happy in these dreary January days. Oh I want a bunny so badly, I don't know if we can get that magazine here in the US but I'm going to look into it. I wish it came in a kit with the beautiful fabrics like you use, but I'll look into that on the link you gave too. Thanks for sharing all the lovelies (love tulips!) and keeping our January happy, too! Hugs ~ Mary

Hi Helen, I followed your blog the other day, I have to say I am loving the bag, and the colours. I was given your book for my birthday last year, and I love it, that isn't why I followed your blog though don't take this the wrong way but until you mentioned it I didn't make the connection, looking forward to seeing you projects as the year goes on.

Good evening Helen..Such a lovely cheerful post that has brightened up a very dark day here..I'm so looking forward to Spring at the moment!...I love your pretty patchwork bag and am really looking forward to seeing your finished quilt...it will be such a treasure...Your sewing room looks lovely with those pretty tulips too and I always love your bunnies!Susan x

Sweet Helen, So many amazing projects being made in your studio. Colors, fabrics, texture, buttons, yo-yos and bunnies I can't stand the all this goodness. I need to be around you for motivation!! But your blogs is wonderful for that!!! Have lots of fun working on all your creations.xoRobin❤

So so beautiful. I just love that bag Helen, it would make a perfect project bag for crafts (knitting!) and the daisy squares! Would it be too difficult for a non crocheter to attempt? I love them, daisies are so cheerful! Thank you for all the beauty you share with the world, everything you touch is lovelier because of you.

That little patchwork bag caught my eye right away. Everything looks just beautiful! Your blog is always a nice source of color and inspiration! I have been trying to find some tulips for a week now and I finally had to settle for some roses. Love yours in the little jug.

Hello Helen, yes it's true, it always seem to be so much sunnier over here than anywhere else, it must be the fabric, or the yarn, or is it the bunnies? Whatever it is, it works and it's uplifting. Love all your new projects and just cannot wait to see the Farmer's Quilt finished! Love Linda x

You always do such lovely projects, Helen! Your bunny is adorable, and I love the bag! I can't wait to see more of your quilt blocks, and I am eagerly awaiting seeing your FWQ in all its glory. In the meantime, I shall be covering my computer keyboard with plastic wrap so I don't short it out with drool when you show the pics. ;)

Wow! You HAVE been busy - and putting all your amazing skills to fantastic use!I love the colours in that bag! So bright and cheery! Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt (I can tell it's going to be amazing).....Carlyx

Another beautiful post full of such pretty colour. Love your little bag and your mouse and im not suprised that both are featured in the magazine. Your crochet flowers are so pretty and i love the pastel shades you are using. Happy sewing and crocheting, dee x

Hello sweet Helen! Your patchwork bag is gorgeous! I love the happy, cheerful fabrics you used! You always have such a great eye! Your photos are gorgeous too, and always brighten my day with the loveliness you share! I will look for that magazine. Congratulations on having two projects featured! Yay! Your bunny is so sweet and I look forward to making one from your lovely book. Your granny squares and quilt blocks are beautiful! Love the colors and designs! Your tulips are so pretty and I love the pink dotty bowl with the sweet yarn in it! You always inspire! I look forward to all you will share sweet friend! Much love and happy weekend wishes, Paula xoxo

It's like a breath of fresh air coming over here to visit. All of your projects are always so pretty and colorful. You crochet as if you have been doing it forever. Lovely work as always. Best wishes for a wonderful weekend. Tammy

Wow 250 editions, that is quite an achievement for a magazine Helen. How lucky they are to have your wonderful bunny in there, he is just so sweet. Your fabrics are so colourful, we all need this cheerfulness in the throes of winter. Keep warm, there is snow on the way. Happy Saturday,Jane x

Oh how I so love your patchwork bag...so fun and jolly!I have seen tulips in the stores but have not brought any home yet...and why not??? Not sure... I must get some to brighten my home.Your projects are always so lovely...sending you oodles of warm hugs for a happy cozy weekend. xoxo

How did I miss this post??? Just love that patchwork bag, so cheerful to look at on a dull cold day!Everything here reminds me of Spring, its all so pretty and bright, and I love the blocks and crochet projects. Wishing you a great week Helen - keep warm!Gill xx

about me

I am a designer, author, illustrator, stitcher and I just love crafting and making things. I live on the North West coast of England with my lovely husband. My family mean the world to me - I have two amazing grown up daughters and two sweet grandchildren - a little boy and a new baby girl.